Truck drivers easily log 2,000 – 3,000 miles on the road per week. Many drivers will far surpass 100,000 miles a year to keep goods that people depend on moving. However, fleet managers must spend time maintaining rigs, which are often in the shop on the driver’s days off.

A few of the maintenance requirements that are required include:

• Brake replacement
• Alternator and battery replacement
• Replace hoses and airlines
• Change wiring
• Thorough inspection of wires, hoses, brakes
• Lubrication
• Oil change
• Air filter changes
• 3-axle alignment
• Battery service
• Valve adjustment
• Coolant flush and replacement
• Transmission fluid replacement
• Power steering filter replacements
• Much more

Maintenance is ongoing, and some maintenance is performed earlier than others. For example, coolant or transmission fluid may not be replaced for years, but battery service needs to be done twice a year. Oil changes may be performed multiple times per month, depending on mileage.

Rigs that are considered to be in “severe duty” will require even more frequent maintenance to keep them running well.

Additionally, drivers will have to perform their own pre- and post-inspections of the vehicles daily, and random repairs must be made as they arise. Fleet maintenance programs will also include further inspections of equipment to identify and fix any future issues before they lead to breakdowns.

Fleet maintenance is a major expense for trucking fleets, but the alternative is also costly. One study in 2018 found that truck breakdowns occur every 10,000 miles. Larger fleets can experience multiple breakdowns a week if their vehicles aren’t part of a preventative maintenance program.

Why is a breakdown bad?

• Roadside repairs are very expensive. The study found that the average breakdown costs 4 times more to repair than if the vehicle was repaired in a shop.
• Reliability is a major selling point for companies using your service. Tire repairs or failure can happen on the road. There’s little that can be done to prevent a nail from causing a flat on a tire. However, a brake failure is uncommon and will cause your fleet to be seen as unreliable.
• Frequent breakdowns will cause lost man hours, slower delivery time and potentially lost revenue.
• Late loads may result in future revenue loss or breaking contractual agreements. In the long-term, breakdowns may lead to significant revenue and reputation loss.

It’s important to note that trucks should not break down every 10,000 miles, and these unnecessary consequences are often due to a lack of preventative maintenance. Big rigs will break down and have issues, but you can reduce these risks with preventive maintenance.

The right plan will:

• Keep trucks on the road
• Improve safety
• Increase customer satisfaction
• Save a trucking fleet money

In every vertical, whether it be truckload, less-than-truckload or tanker, the right maintenance system can help keep fleets running smoothly.

Fleet maintenance programs are agreements between two main parties: the company requiring the services and the Maintenance company providing the services. These programs are agreements that allow you to rely on the program for preventative maintenance. The exact details of the program will be in the contract that you sign, but they often include the most important maintenance based on the truck’s needs.

Repairs for major issues are not covered, but you may find a program that will offer these options at an added discount.

Maintenance programs are tailored to your needs and budget. Most plans are a monthly commitment, but they ensure that your truck’s maintenance and repairs get top priority.

What to Consider When Enrolling in a Program

Enrolling in a fleet maintenance plan is always a smart choice for fleet owners. Reliable trucks will keep drivers on the road and reduce safety hazards, too. When searching for the right plan, there are a few things to consider:

• Cost: How much can your fleet budget for maintenance?
• Breakdown Coverage: If a breakdown does occur, is there a 24-hour road service available?
• Discounts: Does the program offer any form of discounts? Some will offer parts and labor discounts, and others may even provide fuel discount options.
• Washings: Keeping a rig clean is a necessity in today’s fast-paced world. Will the maintenance program include a cleaning? If so, it’s a nice additional perk but not a 100% necessity.

You’ll also want to consider other factors, such as the reputation of the company, time in the industry and reliability.

Custom maintenance agreements may be an even better option for you. For example, at Suppose U Drive, there are programs available to fit most fleet needs. Your needs are unique, and you need a plan that can meet these needs adequately.

1. PEG Maintenance: Designed to give your company complete bumper to bumper truck maintenance, 24 hour road service, discounted fuel, washings, and more for a predictable monthly expense.
2. PM+ Maintenance: Program includes all of Preventive Maintenance & BIT Inspections, discounted fuel, washings, and more for a fixed monthly expense with a discounted labor & parts rate for additional maintenance.
3. Time & Materials: Built for companies that are only looking for professional truck maintenance. Additional services can be provided upon request.
4. Custom Maintenance Program: In addition, there are custom maintenance programs available, which are tailored to meet the needs of specific clients. Explore Your Fleet Maintenance Options with Suppose U Drive

No Two Businesses Are Alike

Choosing the right fleet maintenance program is crucial to your business’s operations. At Suppose U Drive, we offer options that will fit into every fleet’s budget. Click here to learn more.

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